More from SI

Steve Smith had choice words for Aqib Talib following the Panthers' win over the Patriots. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The always fiery Steve Smith was at it again Monday night, battling Aqib Talib up and down the field in the Panthers' win over the Patriots. A classy victor, Smith then proceeded to trash Talib in postgame interviews.

Tempers flared initially after Smith caught a five-yard pass that gave the Panthers a first down early in the game. Talib brought Smith down, then refused to let go of Smith's leg, leading to a scuffle and an unnecessary roughness penalty on the Patriots' corner.

[si-nfl-player id="12749036a59e4ae1a4acac39a07bbdb6"]

Later in the same drive, a frustrated Talib shoved Smith on the far side of the play and the pair had to be separated. With Talib largely shadowing him, Smith finished with four catches for 62 yards in the 24-20 win.

Asked about the confrontation following the game, Smith told reporters that Talib was just "another notch in the bedpost." Then he offered some training advice for the Pats' cornerback, who has missed three games this season: "Ice up, son. Ice up!"